Actively Radical TV — Sydney community television's progressive current affairs producers tackle the hard issues from the activist's point of view. CTS Sydney (UHF 31), every Sunday, 9-11pm. Ph 9565 5522.
Access News — Melbourne community TV, Channel 31, has excellent coverage of industrial, environmental and community actions throughout Victoria. Access News broadcasts every Monday at 8pm. Phone 9633 6976 to contact the producers or make a donation.
The State of the Planet — David Attenborough examines the threats to the Earth's environment: global warming; drought; mass extinction; rainforest destruction. ABC-TV, Wednesday, January 24, 8.30pm.
ICAM — ICAM, the definitive current affairs and culture program of indigenous Australia, begins its 10th season. SBS, Thursday, January 25, 8pm.
Secrets of State: Nixon to Kissinger — The machinations and dirty deeds of the foreign policy powers behind the thrones of US presidents Richard Nixon and Jimmy Carter. This episode deals with the twilight of the Vietnam War, Israel's 1973 war against the Arab countries and Carter's disastrous military raid into Iran to rescue US hostages. SBS, Saturday, January 27, 7.30pm.
Charles Mingus: Triumph of the Underdog — One of the most important figures in 20th century jazz, Charles Mingus (1922-1979) was a virtuoso bass player, accomplished pianist, bandleader and composer. His compositions reflected the African-American struggle for civil rights. This comprehensive documentary features rare archival footage. SBS, Saturday, January 27, 8.30pm.
Michael Moore: The Awful Truth — Moore gives new meaning to the expression "out of sight, out of mind" when he comes up with solutions to house the homeless. He also investigates how sub-standard students from influential families are admitted to elite colleges by virtue of the birth (did somebody say "Dubya"?). SBS, Tuesday, January 30, 8pm.
Movie: The Long Journey — Set in 1981 in Vietnam, it is the story of a former Vietnamese soldier Tan, whose brotherly loyalty to his dead Thai comrade compels him to make the arduous journey to transport the soldier's remains to his birthplace for burial. SBS, Wednesday, January 31, 12.30pm.
The Vietnam War: A Descent into Hell — This first episode traces US efforts to defeat the national liberation movement in Indochina, beginning in 1945 when it attempted to coopt Ho Chi Minh's nationalist forces. ABC-TV, Wednesday, January 31, 11pm.